The Real News from Iran: Underground Christian Revival: CBN Prayer Link

While global headlines focus on Iran’s political unrest, nuclear tensions, and government crackdowns, a different story is quietly unfolding beneath the surface. It may not make front pages, but it should. Muslim converts to Christianity are leading a Gospel movement that’s transforming Iran from the inside out.

This is the real news from Iran, as CBN Prayer Link’s Charlene Aaron heard from Lana Silk, CEO-USA of Transform Iran.

A spiritual revolution is taking place in one of the most unlikely places on earth. Behind closed doors, under constant surveillance, and in defiance of persecution, Muslim-background believers are turning to Christ, forming secret churches, and spreading the Gospel across cities, villages, and digital platforms.

A Movement Rooted in Desperation and Hope

“Iranians are over Islam,” Silk explains. “They’re tired of what it’s done to their nation over the past 40 to 50 years. They’re longing for something different, something real.”

What they are discovering isn’t just a new religion, but an authentic relationship with the living Christ. “When they see transformed lives, Christians who have tasted the healing and delivering power of Jesus, they’re drawn like moths to a flame,” she says.

Despite harsh persecution, or perhaps because of it, the Iranian church is thriving. “There’s no lukewarm Christianity in Iran,” says Silk. “Even at the point of seeking, people know it’s going to cost them.”

The Cost of Following Christ in Iran

Iran remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to follow Jesus. Believers are routinely monitored, arrested, interrogated, and imprisoned. The regime has labeled Christianity a Western threat and often accuses converts of “acting against national security.”

Infiltration and digital hacking are constant threats. “We must always stay ahead technologically,” Silk says.

Political tensions, especially with Israel, further worsen conditions for believers. “The regime lumps Christians in with Zionists. So when tensions flare, crackdowns on Christians increase.”

And yet, the church is growing.

Every time the enemy cracks down, the Gospel spreads further,” Silk says. “God is using even the persecution to awaken hearts and prepare leaders.

Discipleship in the Digital Age

With house churches flourishing in secret, discipleship often begins digitally. Transform Iran uses media tools like satellite TV, radio, and online platforms to reach seekers anonymously – essential for safety in a society where spies often infiltrate Christian groups.

“There’s a progression,” Silk says. “From anonymous media consumption, to digital engagement, to eventually in-person fellowship. And through this, a spiritual hunger is awakened.”

That hunger is being fed through Transform Iran’s digital church, where up to 25,000 Iranians connect each month through online services, prayer rooms, Bible studies and more.

“It’s powerful,” she adds. “It builds community, encourages growth, and empowers believers to be witnesses in their own circles.”

Visions, Miracles, and First Fruits

God is meeting Iranians not only through media, but supernaturally. Visions, dreams, and miraculous healings are increasingly common.

One of the most moving testimonies Lana shared was of a woman who wasn’t even searching for Jesus! She was just trying to be a better Muslim. “She had suffered greatly, married at 12, trauma after trauma, and thought Allah was punishing her. She started praying more to win his favor. But instead, Jesus began to appear to her in her dreams, standing in her doorway, reaching out His hand.”

Today, that woman is the first pastor from her ethnic group and leads a growing church in Iran.

These aren’t isolated cases; they’re happening across the country. And God is using these new believers to reach others with the hope of the Gospel.

More on Muslims encountering Jesus in their dreams

Bible Translation: A Historic First

One of Transform Iran’s most groundbreaking initiatives is Bible translation, not just in Persian (Farsi), but into more than 39 languages spoken by Iran’s diverse people groups.

“More than half the population doesn’t speak Farsi as their first language,” Silk explains. “We’re creating the first-ever translations for many of these groups. Some are so unreached, there are no known Christians among them.”

And the translation process itself is often evangelistic.

We have Muslim linguists working with us. As they translate Scripture, they fall in love with Jesus. It’s amazing!

Is Iran the Center of Transformation in the Middle East?

Absolutely, says Silk. “Iran sits at the heart of Middle East geopolitics. Right now, it’s a source of instability through groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. But imagine if all that influence were used for the Gospel.”

She believes the enemy is fighting so hard for Iran because of its immense redemptive potential.

The devil knows how much good Iran could do in God’s hands. But so does God – and He’s already moving.

Why This Matters Now

With rising Middle East tensions, particularly between Iran and Israel, persecution is intensifying. The Iranian regime is tightening its grip and further expanding its influence.

The spiritual battle for Iran is fierce. But God is not finished. In fact, He may just be getting started.

Lana Silk believes Iran could become a launching pad for regional revival.

Be Part of Iran’s Redemption Story

While the headlines paint a picture of fear and futility, the real news from the ground in Iran tells a different story: the Kingdom of God is advancing.

Silk urges believers everywhere to pray, and to pray with faith.

Don’t be fooled by the secular news. Iran is being transformed. God is working powerfully!

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Pray: Join the prayer movement for Iran and receive real updates from the field monthly
  
• Give: Support Bible translation, discipleship, and digital church outreach
  
• Share: Spread this story, because the world needs to know what God is doing

This is a supernatural move of God,” says Silk. “And the beauty is that He invites us to be part of it.